Saubhari Rishi

People in Shastras

Saubhari Rishi performed penance for 60,000 years in water. At the conclusion, he observed fish mating and a desire to marry awakened. He went to King Māndhātā to ask for his daughters in marriage. However, because Saubhari was of old age and unattractive, the king said, “Go and see which of my daughters are willing to marry you.” Realizing no one would willingly marry him, Saubhari used the merits of his penance to assume an attractive form. All 50 of the king’s daughters got ready to marry him. Then, he used the remaining merits of his penance to build a palace for each of his wives. Using his powers, he spent his time with all of his wives at once. He had 150 sons. Ultimately, he realized all of this was in vain, and he renounced once again to perform penance. He spent his final days in devotion. His āshram was near the River Narmadā.